A 38-year-old Dalit man, Hariom Balmiki, was brutally lynched by villagers in Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, on suspicion of being a drone thief. The incident occurred on October 2, and the victim died from injuries inflicted during the mob attack, highlighting rising fears and misinformation related to drone sightings in rural UP.
Background and Context
In recent weeks, rumors of drone thefts and sightings have swept through several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Raebareli. Villagers, fearing theft-related crimes, have become increasingly vigilant, often patrolling at night and suspecting strangers or social outsiders. These rumors have fueled paranoia, leading to several violent incidents, including mob vigilantism.
Hariom, who hailed from Fatehpur and was mildly mentally unwell, was reportedly traveling to meet his wife near her bank job in Raebareli. On October 2, villagers stopped him near Dadedpur Majre Ishwardaspur, accusing him of being involved in drone thefts. Despite his protests of innocence, they brutally beat him with sticks and belts, tying him to a pole and continuing the assault overnight.
The Main Event
Hariom’s body was discovered near the railway tracks in the early morning of October 3, with visible injuries from the attack. Postmortem reports confirmed severe head injuries and bruises as the cause of death. Police registered a case of murder and arrested five villagers suspected of involvement. The police action followed a viral video of the assault, sparking national outrage.
Official Reactions
The Uttar Pradesh police acted swiftly, arresting the accused and suspending officers for negligence, including the Unchahar SHO, who was removed from his post. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath denounced the incident, emphasizing strict action against rumors and vigilante violence. Human rights and social activists condemned the incident, calling it a tragic example of caste-based violence and misinformation-driven mob justice.
What Might Happen Next
Authorities are likely to strengthen awareness campaigns against rumor-mongering and vigilante violence. Legal proceedings against the accused are expected to continue, with demands for exemplary punishment and compensation for Hariom’s family. The incident has reignited debates on social tensions and law enforcement’s role in managing rumor-induced violence in rural UP.
